The European Union launches a 71 million euro tender for IT security

The European Cyber Security Authority (ECCC) and the European Commission have recently launched a new call for projects, with a total value of 71 million euros. This call is part of the European Digital Work Program 2023-2024 and aims to implement cyber security measures to enhance operational cooperation and capacities of Member States at EU level.

The deadline for proposals is 26 September 2023, by 17:00 CEST (Brussels). This call provides for four thematic areas of funding. The first is focused on "Coordination between the civil and defense spheres in the field of cybersecurity".

The main objective is to enhance the exchange and collaboration between the civil and defense spheres in the field of cyber security. This should stimulate synergies between the cybersecurity initiatives supported by Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and the defense actions managed by the Union itself through its structures and programmes, including the European Defense Agency and the European Defense Fund.

These initiatives involve various actors, including industrial operators, Defense Ministries and Agencies, SMEs and startups, and other protagonists who play a key role in the panorama of civil cyber security and European defense. The total budget foreseen for this area is 3 million euros.

The second area concerns 'Support for the implementation of EU cybersecurity legislation and national cybersecurity strategies'. This area has funding of €30 million and aims to enhance cooperation and develop technical, operational and strategic capabilities in the context of existing and proposed EU legislation on cyber security.

The third funding theme is 'Standardisation in the area of cyber security', with a budget of €3 million. This aspect is intended to support the continuation of standardization in the cybersecurity sector, in preparation for the implementation of the proposed Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) regulation.

Finally, the fourth call, with a budget of 35 million euros, is aimed at "Support for preparation and mutual assistance". The latter aims to improve the level of protection and resilience to cyber threats by assisting Member States in improving their preparedness for cyber threats and incidents.

In parallel, a call previously launched by the Commission was extended, until 6 July 2023. This opened up further opportunities for a total remaining budget of €36.5 million, covering the topics of resilience, coordination and cyber security ranges , capacity building for security operations centers, and adoption of innovative cyber security solutions.